History

Subpart L originally issued in December 1971 Amendments during the first two years:
Planking grade Overhead protection Plank spans Guardrails

Complete review of Subpart L initiated in 1977

History
Scaffold injuries and fatalities continue despite Subpart L provisions Almost 10,000 scaffold related injuries annually. Over 75 scaffold-related fatalities annually Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) consulted on draft revisions

Need for Additional Regulation

BLS statistics:
72% of workers injured on scaffolds attributed accident to planking giving way, slips, or falling objects 70% of workers learn safety requirements on-the-job
25% received no training Only 1/3 of scaffolds equipped with guardrails

Need for Additional Regulation

Scaffold related fatalities accounted for approximately 10% of construction fatalities OSHA determines revision of scaffold standard is necessary Estimates changes can save 50 lives and prevent 4500 injuries annually

A long process
OSHA issued the notice of proposed rule making for the updated standard on November 25, 1986 It took 10 years to finalize Effective: November 29, 1996

Purpose of new standard

More performance based, allows flexibility Simplifies language, eliminates redundancies Increased options for use of fall protection

Major issues resolved

Trigger height for fall protection 10 feet 38 inch guardrail height when primary FP 36 inch when guardrails required and fall arrest used (e.g.: suspended scaffolds) CP determines FP feasibility for erectors and dismantlers Crossbracing for guardrail per .451 (g)(4)(xv)

Organization of Standard
1926.450 Scope, application and definitions applicable to this subpart 1926.451 General requirements Appendix B - (Reserved) Criteria for Determining the Feasibility of Providing Safety Access and Fall Protection for Scaffold Erectors and Dismantles

1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds 1926.453 Aerial lifts
1926.454 Training Appendix A - Scaffold Specifications

Appendix C - List of National

Consensus Standards Appendix D - List of Training

Topics for Scaffold Erectors and

Dismantlers Appendix E - Drawings and

Illustrations

1926.450 Scope, Application & Definitions

Covers all scaffolds used in workplaces.
Does not apply to crane or derrick

suspended personnel platforms, which

are covered by 1926.550 (g).

Aerial lifts are covered 1926.453.

Scaffold Competent Person

Preamble - page 46059
Knowledge of structural integrity Maintenance of scaffolds Effects of potential hazards Knowledge of standard

1926.451 General Requirements

(a) Capacity

(b)
(c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h)

Scaffold Platform Construction

Criteria for Supported Scaffolds Criteria for Suspension Scaffolds Access Use Fall Protection Falling Object Protection

1926.451 (a) Capacity

Support without failure four times intended load (personnel, equipment and supplies)

4X

1926.451 (a) Capacity

Connections to roof and floors four times the tipping moment

Suspension ropes &

hardware 6 times intended load

1926.451 (b) Scaffold Platform

Construction
Planked as fully as possible

Gaps to 1 inch or less

Max 9 1/2 inches around uprights when extending platform width with side brackets Does not apply to walkways, erection and dismantling

1926.451 (b) Scaffold Platform

Construction
Platforms at least 18 inches wide,

Where not feasible install guardrails or

PFAS

Ladder jack, pump jack, and roof

bracket scaffold at least 12 inches wide

1926.451 (b) Scaffold Platform

Front of scaffold no more than 14 inches from face of work For outrigger scaffolds 3 inches For plastering 18 inches Unless secured platforms extend minimum of six inches over support

Construction

6"

1926.451 (b) Scaffold Platform

Platforms less than 10 feet, Max. extension

Construction

over support 12 inches

Platforms over 10 feet, Max. extension over

support 18 inches
Overlap platforms only over support,

minimum overlap 12 inches unless nailed

Planks laid at angles other than 90 laid first under planks laid over supports at 90

1926.451 (b) Scaffold Platform

Construction
No painting of scaffold planks or mud sills No mixing components from different scaffolds unless they match

1926.451 (c) Supported Scaffolds

Guys, ties or braces required at the 4:1height ratio Repeated every 20 feet for scaffolds three feet wide or less Every 26 feet wider than three feet

Installed at each end of the scaffold

Horizontal spacing not to exceed 30 feet

1926.451 (c) Supported Scaffolds

Bracing required to prevent tipping for all eccentric applied loads Scaffolds must bear on base plates and mud sills or other firm foundation

Footings rigid with no settling or displacement

1926.451 (c) Supported Scaffolds

Unstable objects

shall not be used to

support scaffolds or

platform units.
Unstable objects

shall not be used as

working platforms.

1926.451 (c) Supported Scaffolds

Poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights plumb and braced

1926.451 (d) Suspended Scaffolds

All suspended

scaffold devices
must rest on

surfaces capable
of supporting four times the the rated load of the hoist

1926.451 (d) Suspended Scaffolds

Outrigger beams made of structural metal or

equivalent and
restrained to prevent

movement.

1926.451 (d) Suspended Scaffolds

Inboard ends of outrigger beams bolted to floor or roof or counterweighs, or tiebacks used Tiebacks equivalent in strength to suspension ropes All direct connections evaluated by competent person

1926.451 (d) Suspended Scaffolds

Counterweights non-flowable material

Only specifically designed counterweights

allowed

Counterweights secured to outrigger beams

by mechanical means

Counterweights not removed until scaffold

is disassembled

1926.451 (d) Suspended Scaffolds

Tiebacks secured to structural anchorage Not standpipes, vents, or conduit Support devices (cornice hooks, parapet clamps) made of steel or equivalent and supported by bearing blocks Tiebacks set perpendicular to building face

1926.451 (d) Suspended Scaffolds

Four wraps minimum on winding drum hoists Use of repaired wire rope prohibited Wire rope inspected by CP prior to each shift Damaged rope must be replaced

4 wraps at lowest point of hoist travel

1926.451 (d) Suspended Scaffolds

Gas powered equipment not allowed

Power gears and brakes enclosed

Manual hoists require positive crank to descend Secondary breaking device required or overspeed descent

1926.451 (e) Access

Scaffold more than two feet above or below a point of access ladders, stairs, ramps or other similar access provided No cross braces for access! Hook on ladders positioned so as not to tip the scaffold

Bottom rung within 24 inches of supporting level

Over 35 feet, rest levels every 35 feet

1926.451 (e) Access

Hook-on ladders compatible with scaffold used Minimum rung width of 11 1/2 inches Rungs uniformly spaced 16 3/4 inches maximum rung spacing Slip resistant treads on stairs and landings

1926.451 (e) Access

Stairrails provided on scaffold stair towers Handrails smooth with no hazardous projections 28 to 37 inches high 18 inches wide
28" to 37 "
40 to 60 Riser height uniform, within 1/4 inch

1926.451 (e) Access

Ramps and walkways above 6 feet require guardrails Maximum pitch: rise of one for run of three (20)

Rise higher than one in eight require cleats

14" 1 8

1926.451 (e) Access

Prefabricated scaffold access:
specifically designed and constructed for use as ladder rungs;
Have a rung length of at least 8 inches

Uniformly spaced
Max. spacing 16 3/4 inches

1926.451 (e) Access

Erectors and dismantlers provided with:
Safe means of access; CP determines if feasible Based on conditions and scaffold type Attachable ladders installed ASAP

Horizontal members used for access not more than 22 inches apart
No cross braces for access

1926.451 (f) Use

No loading in excess of intended or rated load Lean-to scaffolds prohibited CP to inspect for defects each shift

Damaged scaffold repaired, replaced or braced

1926.451 (f) Use

No moving of scaffolds with employees on them unless designed by PE for such For movement of mobile scaffolds see .452 (w) Safe distance from electric lines:
Insulated lines:
Less than 300 volts = 3 feet 300 volts to 50 kilovolts = 10 feet Over 50 kilovolts = 10 feet plus .4 inches for each additional kV; or twice the length of the line insulator but never less than 10 feet

1926.451 (f) Use

Scaffolds erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffolds

Access scaffolds with snow/ice only to remove Swinging loads near scaffolds must use tag lines

1926.451 (f) Use

Suspension scaffolds:
Ropes large enough for safe functioning of brake and hoist mechanism(s) Suspension ropes shielded from heat

sources
No damage from chemicals allowed

No working on scaffolds during storms or

high winds unless CP determines safe & protection with PFAS or wind screens

Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on platforms.

1926.451 (f) Use

No increasing working height with makeshift devices Ladders only used on scaffolds if:
Platform units secured Ladder placed against other surfaces, scaffold secured Legs on same platform or stabilized Ladder legs secured

1926.451 (f) Use

Platforms shall not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when loaded.

1926.451 (f) Use

When welding from suspended scaffolds:
Isolate overhead support or insulated thimble used to attach suspension wire rope to its hanging support Suspension wire rope covered with insulating material extending at least 4 feet above the hoist Each hoist shall be covered with insulated protective covers; Grounding conductor shall be connected from the scaffold to the structure If scaffold grounding lead becomes disconnected, shut of welder until reconnected

An active
welding rod or uninsulated welding lead shall not be

allowed to
contact the scaffold or its suspension system.

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Fall protection required above 10 feet

Boatswains' chair, catenary scaffold, float scaffold, needle beam scaffold, or ladder jack scaffold shall be protected by a personal fall arrest system;
Single-point or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold shall be protected by both a personal fall arrest system and guardrail system;

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Crawling board (chicken ladder) protected by a personal fall arrest system, a guardrail system or by a three-fourth inch (1.9 cm) diameter grabline or equivalent handhold securely fastened beside each crawling board; Self-contained adjustable scaffold protected by a guardrail system when platform is supported by the frame structure, by both a personal fall arrest system and a guardrail system when platform is supported by ropes;

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Each employee on a walkway located within a scaffold shall be protected by a guardrail system installed within 9 1/2 inches of and along at least one side of the walkway.

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold protected from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold (except at the side next to the wall being laid) a personal fall arrest system or guardrail system For all scaffolds not otherwise specified, each employee protected by personal fall arrest systems or guardrail systems

Effective September 2, 1997, the employer shall have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds. Employers are required to provide fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds where the installation and use of such protection is feasible and does not create a greater hazard.

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

In addition to meeting the requirements of

1926.502(d), personal fall arrest systems

used on scaffolds shall be attached by

lanyard to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline,

or scaffold structural member.

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Vertical lifelines shall:
Not be used when overhead components are present on single or two-point adjustable scaffolds Fastened to a fixed safe point of anchorage Independent of the scaffold Protected from damage and sharp edges

Safe points of anchorage include structural members of buildings, but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, electrical conduit, outrigger beams, or counterweights.

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Horizontal lifelines shall:
Be secured to two or more structural members of the scaffold Horizontal lifelines shall not be attached only to the suspension ropes. Lanyards on horizontal lifelines on suspended scaffolds: scaffold must have independent support line(s) with automatic locking devices, and in number and strength equal to suspension ropes

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Vertical lifelines, independent support lines,

and suspension ropes shall not be attached

to each other, nor shall they be attached to

or use the same point of anchorage, nor shall

they be attached to the same point on the

scaffold or personal fall arrest system.

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Guardrail systems shall be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms.

Guardrail systems installed before scaffold is released for use by employees other than erection/dismantling crews.

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Guardrails 38 to 45 inches high, or higher if conditions warrant Suspended scaffolds where PFAS is required, 36 to 45 inches

Suspension scaffold hoists may be used as endrails if they prevent worker passage Toprail strength on suspended scaffolds withstand 100 pounds
Other types 200 pounds

1926.451 (g) Fall Protection

Crossbracing is acceptable in place of a midrail when the crossing point of two braces is between 20 inches and 30 inches above the work platform or. As a toprail when the crossing point of two braces is between 38 inches and 48 inches above the work platform. The end points at each upright shall be no more than 48 inches (1.3 m) apart.

1926.451 (h) Falling Object

Protection
Requires hardhats In addition to (as necessary):
Toeboards Screens Debris nets Canopies

When objects are too large, or heavy to be contained by the above-listed measures, place potential falling objects away from the edge from which they could fall and secure

1926.451 (h) Falling Object

Protection
When employees below could be struck by falling objects the following is required:
Barricade area and no access, or; Toeboard installed of sufficient length

Material piled higher than toeboard must be screened, from platform to top of guardrail

Aerial Lifts
Comply with ANSI A 92.2 - 1969 Lift controls tested each day prior to use Operated only by authorized persons Belting off to adjacent pole or structure while in lift is prohibited Must always stand firmly on floor of basket Harness & lanyard worn and attached to boom or basket

Aerial Lifts
Boom load limits not exceeded Brakes set when in use When outriggers used, positioned on pads or solid surface

Not moved when boom is elevated with men working in basket

1926.454 Training
Each employee who works on scaffold trained to recognize and avoid hazards including (as applicable): Electrical hazards, Fall hazards, and; Falling object hazards in the work area;

1926.454 Training
Proper use of the scaffold Proper procedures for fall protection, and falling object protection systems Maximum intended load Any applicable regulations

1926.454 Training
Each employee who is involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold trained by a competent person to recognize any hazards associated with the work.

1926.454 Training
When the employer has reason to believe that an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use or dismantling of scaffolds, the employer shall retrain each such employee so that the requisite proficiency is regained. Includes:

New hazards
New equipment Lack of retention or proficiency